Traffic Congestion Caused by Buses
Buses are often perceived to be a cause of traffic congestion, or at least a contributory factor. This is often the case where services are unregulated and provided by a large number of small operators, particularly when small vehicles are used.

Compared to private transport, buses require less road space per passenger, and should therefore cause less congestion. However, excessive dwell times, poor driving, inappropriate vehicle size or type, and an excess of vehicles often result in increased congestion.

This is often a result of competition in the market, combined with inadequate regulations and inadequate enforcement of rules and regulations.

Where there is uncontrolled competition, drivers tend to resort to aggressive and often dangerous tactics in order to maximize their passenger loads. This includes racing to bus stops and deliberately obstructing other buses, which in turn obstructs other traffic and contributes to congestion.

Where many small vehicles are used, instead of fewer larger buses, more road space is required per passenger, and this can also contribute to congestion. If there are too many vehicles in the system, this often creates congestion near terminals, where buses may have to queue in the surrounding streets.